Compact and serviceable packaging of a self-contained cryocooler system

Abstract

A 250 watt cryocooler employs a Stirling cycle and is capable of maintaining a constant temperature of 77° K. while fitting a standard electronic equipment rack.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A self-contained, portable cryogenic cooling system for an Electronic Industry Association (EIA) enclosure generating a nominal 250 watts of heat lifting capacity, capable of maintaining a constant low temperature of 77° K. and fitting within a 24.5 in.×17.5 in.×29.5 in. space in an EIA enclosure wherein said cooling system includes: an integral Stirling cryocooler having a compressor section and an expander/regenerator section including a cold head; and   heat rejection means for rejecting heat generated by said cryocooler including fan means for passing air over said cryocooler where said air is heated, and then through a heat exchanger and away from said cooling system.   
     
     
       2. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein said heat exchanger is located in a closed fluid loop which also includes a pump, a pump motor, a rejector and fluid connection means. 
     
     
       3. The cooling system of claim 1 further including electronic control means for variable speed operation of said fan, pump and cryocooler motors as well as prognostic capabilities for maintaining proper operation/reliability and communication means to alert a host computer system of non-standard operating conditions. 
     
     
       4. A cooling system for an Electronic Industry Association (EIA) enclosure for removing heat from heat generating components within the EIA enclosure comprising: an integral Stirling cryocooler;   a generally rectangular base frame member sized to fit into the EIA enclosure for supporting said integral Stirling cryocooler thereon, whereby a cold head of said integral Stirling cryocooler is operatively connected to the heat generating components within the EIA enclosure to remove heat therefrom;   support means for flexibly connecting said integral Stirling cryocooler to said base frame member;   slide means member for movably supporting the cooling system during selective movement between an operating position inside of the EIA enclosure and a non-operating position outside the EIA enclosure; and   external means connected to the cooling system when in the operating position consisting essentially of electrical power means.   
     
     
       5. A cooling system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said support means includes spring means wherein said spring means enables less than 0.02 g vibration to be transmitted to the heat generating components. 
     
     
       6. A cooling system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said slide means contacts a lower portion of the EIA enclosure. 
     
     
       7. A cooling system as set forth in claim 4 further including: heat rejection means for rejecting heat generated by said cryocooler including fan means for passing air over said cryocooler where said air is heated, and then through a heat exchanger and away from said cooling system.   
     
     
       8. The cooling system of claim 7 wherein said heat exchanger is located in a closed fluid loop which also includes a pump, a pump motor, a rejector and fluid connection means. 
     
     
       9. The cooling system of claim 8 further including electronic control means for variable speed operation of said fan, pump and cryocooler motors as well as prognostic capabilities for maintaining proper operation/reliability and communication means to alert a host computer system of non-standard operating conditions.